The intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy rates in 14 areas in the country have now reached “critical” levels amid the continued increase in the number of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.
In its latest monitoring report issued Thursday, Aug. 12, independent research group OCTA reported that ICU utilization rates in 14 areas with most number of new cases have reached “critical” levels.
These areas are the following:
Cebu City (85 percent)
Cagayan de Oro (86 percent)
Taguig (100 percent)
Bacoor (100 percent)
Las Piñas (100 percent)
Imus (86 percent)
Dasmariñas (100 percent)
Muntinlupa (89 percent)
Iloilo City (87 percent)
General Trias (89 percent)
Tugeugarao (88 percent)
Cabuyao (91 percent)
San Fernando (96 percent), and
Meycauayan (100 percent).
The group of experts noted that the country’s ICU occupancy rate remains “moderate” at 68 percent.
National Update for 8/12/21 shows LGUs with highest 7-day average in new cases. Cebu City, Imus and Tuguegarao are at critical level in both ADAR and ICU occupancy. Reproduction Number in the country is 1.41. The situation is more likely to get worse before it gets better. pic.twitter.com/qja6H0FBIA
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) August 11, 2021
PH’s reproduction number at ‘critical’ level
Meanwhile, the country’s reproduction number for COVID-19 cases increased to 1.41 amid the growing threat of the highly transmissible Delta variant.
OCTA said the country’s reproduction number, which refers to the average number of secondary infections by each infected individual, is now at “critical” level.
“Reproduction number in the country is 1.41. The situation is more likely to get worse before it gets better,” OCTA Research fellow Prof. Guido David said in a tweet.
According to its Aug. 10 monitoring report, the group said that the country’s reproduction number was at 1.33, and was then considered at a “high” level.
The latest report also showed that the country’s average number of daily new cases soared to 9,745 from Aug. 5 to 11, which is equivalent to an increase of 28 percent, compared to 7,594 recorded on the previous week.
Quezon City had the most number of new infections, from an average of 310 cases to 467 cases, equivalent to an increase of 51 percent.
OCTA noted that the nationwide positivity rate jumped to 21 percent from the previous 19 percent, and is now considered at “critical” level.